I was just wondering if anyone thinks one direction for the Grand Explorer tour is better than the other ie. start in Aukland or Christchurch. I am sure it doesn't really make much difference, but just thought I would ask!
I am looking at doing one of these tours either on the 28th Oct or 5th Nov.
Just done this tour back in March and I would say that the normal way would be the better way to do the tour. The main reason I would say that is that your first stop along the is Lake Ohae which was one of the highlights of the trip for me as it was the conclusion of the tour had a big farewell party and was one great night and also just before that is Queenstown which was another of the highlights and a fun place but not sure if it would have been as fun only knowing people for a day or 2. The bay of Islands which would be the first stop on the normal trip is a great place to get to know your fellow travellers and is a great layed back town with plenty of time to talk to everyone before getting into the main part of the tour. But this is just my opinion and I am sure that the tour would be great in either direction. Hope this helps.
My partner and I are starting Christchurch 28th Oct and finishing Auckland. We only did it this way because the flight were cheaper and so was the trip. All in all i don't think it would make too much of a difference which way u did it
Thanks guys! I ended up going the Auckland to Christchurch direction. I actually ended up booking it before anyone replied to this posting,so my main reason was that I could get slightly cheaper flights this way. I nearly did the tour you are doing Shaan. Have a great time on yours!! You have a great time too Melly. We will be starting our tours on the same day, just travelling in opposite directions!!
